Foot binding

From open-encyclopedia.com - the free encyclopedia.

Foot binding (纏足, 包腳, 裹小腳, or 紮腳) is a now obsolete Chinese custom, considered for centuries to be aesthetic, of producing very small feet in adult women through the application of tight bandage wrappings on the feet of young girls. The Chinese had thought that tiny feet were a sign of beauty and elegance. This practice lasted from the 10th century to the early 20th century. It was officially banned by the new Republic of China government in 1911.

The practice of foot binding began during the Song Dynasty (960-976), reportedly to imitate an imperial concubine who was required to dance with her feet bound. By the 12th century, the practice had become widespread and severe -- girls' feet were bound so tightly and early in life that not only were they unable to dance, but they had difficulty walking, essentially becoming crippled. As only rich people could afford to keep unproductive girls, foot binding was as a show of wealth and status. The Hongwu Emperor's consort, born of humble origin, did not have small feet and was once mocked. To take revenge, Emperor Hongwu killed the neighbours of the mockers.

By the time a girl turned three years old, all her toes except the first (the "big" toe) were broken, and her feet were kept tightly bound with cloth strips to (ideally) keep her feet from growing larger than 10 cm (about 3.9 inches). The practice would cause the soles of feet to bend in extreme concavity. They were often referred to as "lotus hooks".

Foot binding ceased in the 20th century with the end of imperial dynasties and increasing influence of western fashion. According to a UCSF study, "As the practice waned, some girls' feet were released after initial binding, leaving less severe deformities." However, the deformities of foot binding linger on as a cause of disability in very elderly Chinese women.

External links

da:Liljefod